The restaurant itself is beautiful--easily more inviting than similar spots--and the decor creates a warm, authentic atmosphere that really sets the tone. The food was genuinely impressive, especially the steak, which was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, and the street tacos, which were fresh, authentic, and among the best I've had. Every dish showed clear attention to quality, and it's obvious the kitchen takes pride in what they serve. We also ordered margaritas, and they stood out as some of the best we've had compared to other Mexican restaurants in the Sacramento area. Unfortunately, the service didn't match the quality of the food. Our server, Esthela, was often inattentive and slow to check in, and as a table of four, we felt somewhat overlooked throughout the meal. At one point, we overheard a conversation between staff that made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, as it included remarks about customers and tipping that didn't sit right with us. The most frustrating part came at the end, when we received the bill and saw a 20% gratuity automatically added for a table of four, which felt unexpected given the level of service. Overall, while the food and atmosphere make this place worth visiting, the service left us with mixed feelings by the end of the night. read more

Very good customer service.The food is really good.Very nice to customers. The waiters are very nice. I recommend coming to El Tapatio .

Nice Bean Dip with Cheese Nice Selection of Combo Playes - I had the Poco with 1 Cheese Enchalada with Rice n Refried Beans Tony374 was very nice, polite, & much much more engage & could be because it was less hectic n busy n the only guest to serve at the moment Also, LOVE LOVE LOVE the Vibe of Soccer on TV & look forward to NBA Basketball at 5PM today So I'll be back later today after a movie just before I partake at work Mucho Gracias Amigos read more

Sunday Brunch Buffet and bottomless mimosas for $30. Need I say more????? You literally get to taste the whole menu during this brunch. I'm glad I went because I got to try alllll the soups that I'm scared to order. The Caldo de res was the best!! The pozole and menudo were also a close second. The kids would love this! Lots of waffles, churros, bacon, sausage, desserts, horchatas, etc... read more

Outstanding food, had a great time. Ordered the Molcajete which was fantastic and the sunrise enchiladas which had an over easy egg on top, great idea which I'd never seen before. The chips are on the house and come with bean dip and a roasted red salsa, but you can ask for refills and get them and they'll also give you a very nice salsa verde on request which I though was great and pretty spicy. The place looks fantastic inside, overall a huge upgrade from the last tenant of that location, On the Border. Strongly recommended and we'll be back for sure. read more

I've been here twice. I thought I already had did a review for this place. The first time I came with my cousin, we just had a girls night catching up. Food was good. I just tried a couple things however, this time I really wanted to try the steak fajitas, but of course they get in and they had a special for the chili Colorado burrito oh, don't sleep on that you definitely have to give that a try. It was really good service here has always been a 10 out of 10 no issues at all. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be at work. I love the old school Mexican vibe in here and when I say that I made more authentic look to being home. They have a lot of TVs in here. They have a huge area. I mean, this place is pretty huge. So if you're looking for a place to just hang out with your girlfriend, I want to just check it out. I came here for a second time. My husband and I sat down. We enjoyed our food. We were able to take food home with us. It was a lot of food to choose from and from what I'm told, they have a great bar a great things to choose from as well. there is a lot of parking out front. I was a little worried because of course it's by Walmart so you're not sure how that will go and it's right next to In-N-Out, which is always busy but each time I've come here there's been no problem Parking. If I had any suggestion it would just be for a garbage can outside only because when I went to come in, I felt bad because I had to bring a drink inside to throw away in their inside trash other than that everything is really good. read more

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This is one of the best Mexican restaurants we've been to so far in the Sacramento area. Great service and food. My husband especially liked the free bean dip that cam with a big basket of nachos and was also replenished, as was his soda. The shrimp cocktail that we had was fresh and great sauce. I also loved my mole enchiladas. Must visit! read more

Great food and service! They have a variety of flavors for their margaritas and some really solid happy hour specials. Food came out hot and flavorful, while we waited we got to enjoy chips with refried beans and some very fresh salsa. We can't wait to try their Sunday brunch buffet. And the sopapillas are intense, served with ice cream! read more

El Tapatio - Cucumber Peach and Watermelon margaritas from El Tapatio on Truxel Rd. in Sacramento, one blended and one on the rocks. - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Molcajete was amazing. Chicken and steak were so tender. Shrimp was pretty good as well. Tacos weren't great but only because the crispy tortilla was stale. I should've gotten their soft corn anyway. I just forgot to ask. All the meat was super delicious. Carnitas was my favorite followed by the shredded chicken then ground beef. Izzy was our server and he was friendly and helpful with all the recommendations. Can't wait to rerun. read more

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Don't let the outside fool you, El Tapatio is a hidden gem. From the street, it may not look like much, but once you step inside, you're welcomed by warm, inviting Latin-style decor that sets a nice, relaxed atmosphere. What really stood out, though, was the customer service. From start to finish, the staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made the experience enjoyable. It's the kind of place where you feel taken care of without it being over the top. And the food? Way better than expected. The margaritas were perfectly made, refreshing and flavorful and the tacos were absolutely delicious. Honestly, I didn't go in expecting to love the food as much as I did, but it completely won me over. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for great service, tasty food, and a surprisingly cozy vibe. read more

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WHY WE WENT HERE: - dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located in the plaza off Truxel Rd, shared with In N Out, Regal Natomas Marketplace, Walmart - decent amount of parking THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - similar to the Citrus Heights location, colorful, lots of wood THE MENU: - extensive between the actual food menu and the drinks/appetizers/happy hour menu WHAT WE ORDERED: - Steak Fries - Street Tacos (Steak, Al Pastor, Carnitas) THE TASTE: - Complimentary Tortilla Chips, Bean Dip, and Salsa - bean dip is great, and salsa is good too; and you get refills! - Steak Fries - very filling - Street Tacos (Steak, Al Pastor, Carnitas) - steak in taco was more tender and juicy than the steak in the steak fries; al pastor was very pineapple prominent, carnitas was OK CUSTOMER SERVICE: - they were on top of making sure the customers were good and had anything and everything they need - we also didn't realize until we got here that it was happy hour, so our meal was a fraction of the price, which was nice read more

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My family enjoyed their Sunday brunch. This was the first time eating here. We arrived at 10:30 am and it wasn't busy yet. By the time we left it was packed and people waiting outside. The restaurant was clean and decorated so beautifully. There was so much food to choose from. I didn't know where to start. I decided to start with the pozole and my husband the menudo. Let me tell you, so much flavor and so good. I also had the chili relleno (so light and fluffy),cheese enchiladas (love the homemade tortillas), cheese tamale(too spicy for me), chili Verde (so good), carne asada tacos (yummy) and arroz on leche (yummy). I need to come back to try other foods. Lol My tummy left full and happy. So much food to choice from. The service was amazing. Waitress came around to check on us and to make sure our glasses were always filled. Great food, great service and great atmosphere!!!!!!! read more

A large group of us went for Taco Tuesday. The place was lively and the service was friendly. To start, I really enjoyed the house salsa. Lots of places have a salsa and chip offered when you first sit down, but their salsa was exceptional, especially if you enjoy a milder spice level. (Oh, and there is also the bean dip. I thought it was great and I don't even like beans!) For Taco Tuesday, you simply let them know how many you would like and they give you a tiny sheet of paper that you then go to redeem for tacos at the station in the middle. This is when you let them know which of the many assortments of meats you would like. As a person who has "tried them all" at other places, I choose some of the most exotic meats. Verdict: honestly only okay. All the meats I tried looked like they tasted- good, but not great. Especially after all the fresh produce you cover them with, really kind of what you would expect, but no meat that really stood out. All pretty good, but nothing exceptional. (Maybe I need to try their regular menu.) Although I wouldn't refuse another Taco Tuesday invitation here, but I won't be asking to come back for this event, either. read more

El Tapatio - House Chips & Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Pleasantly surprised. This one is related to the one in Citrus Heights on Sunrise that I did a review for ten years ago and I gave it 3 stars because the rice was dry and the chimichanga was soft so my expectations were low. This took over the In The Border location next to in and out burger in the Walmart shopping center so getting in and out can be tricky. We arrived around 230pm last Saturday and I thought it would not be busy but it was crazy PACKED! about 80% full with lots of employees running around and phone ringing. We didn't wait too long before we were seated. Chips n Salsa arrived right after our butts hit the seats. I really liked the chunky salsa. It was fresh and not too hot. They also give you a side of refried beans for dipping, nice touch. Estella took our order and asked first time here? I said yes and she proceeded to tell me some her recommendations which I LOVE! You can never make a first impression twice. The menu is vast but pricey. There were some entrees that were in the $30+ range! but you can also get a one item combo for $17. I usually get steak fajitas but they were $28 and did not want to spend that much for lunch so I went with my second fave, Birria tacos. They had a combo plate of 3 with rice n beans for $21. Hubs got a 3 item combo of taco, chimichanga and tostada for $21. Wait time was about 30 mins and a lot of other tables were waiting for their food. I didn't mind because they were crazy busy AND they kept our drinks and chips n salsa flowing without having to ask. They have runners to do this to help out the wait staff, pretty smart. My birria was delicous!! I am kinda picky and these made me say Mmmnnn. Only eh thing was the rice. It was super dry and even crunchy on top. I enjoyed the pickled onions. Hubs enjoyed his crispy taco the most. Love that they use real guac with actual avocados and not the green goo that many places try to pass off. The chimi was underwhelming. Not crispy, no cheese. The same complaint I had on my review for the Sunrise location. Overall I was very pleased with my meal. Looking forward to coming again. I talked my co-workers into making it our next lunch spot which will be in two weeks. Nice to have a true sit-down mexican food place in Natomas!! read more

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I came here to meet a friend for dinner. I've been to the one in Rancho. I've never been to this location before. I'm hoping this is as good as the one in Rancho. I the place use to be On the border. The place is very busy during the dinner time. We ordered some drinks and place our dinner order. We waited a little while for our dinner. I can understand, it was busy. The server was nice and came to check on us a few times. I ordered some tacos, one with chicken and the other pork. It tasted ok. I was a little disappointed. The chicken was a little dry and the pork was ok. The rice was a little hard and the beans were bland. I ate my dinner anyways. I was hungry. I was a little disappointed with my visit. I'm not sure if I would come to this one again. The Rancho location is a little further for me, but I think I would just stick with something good. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

I have eaten at the location in Auburn and Citrus Heights also. Food and service are always good and consistent. Lots of choices, and I mean a lot of choices. Never had a bad meal. read more

Food is delicious, service is amazing, and the ambience is very welcoming. I recommend this place if you want to annoy good Mexican food. The sangria here is yummy read more

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Made a reservation on a Monday night for a party of 12 in the bar area. This probably wasn't the best idea but I wasn't too sure of our head count so wanted some extra seating around us just in case. Took about 2 hours from seating to leaving which was a bit longer than expected. Overall service was good just not speedy but that was my fault. 3.5/5 Margaritas a bit on the small side but everyone enjoyed them. 5/5 Free chips and salsa as well as tasty bean and cheese. They kept them coming and we filled up quickly on them so be warned! lol All meals are very good sized, shareable. 5/5 Ordered the Hector's plate which was huuuuge. Carne asada + chile relleno + 5 bacon wrapped shrimp, beans, rice and salad. Needless to say I took most of it home. 3/5 ordered albondigas soup to go and the container was half full. A friend who ordered the same thing and packed her leftovers to go had more than my to go container. So I just wouldn't recommend ordering to go as you won't get much. Delicious but just took a while for service which I'll accept was my own fault. Will still be back! read more

El Tapatio - Hectors platter - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Not sure why this place has so many bad reviews, I went on a Saturday evening and it was great. The food was delicious and our server Izzy was super attentive and friendly. It started to get busier and busier as the evening went on, but our service was still fine even when things started picking up. Our food was hot and came out in a good amount of time. Everything was delicious. I will for sure be back! read more

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Service was excellent, I mean top notch there were 7 of us for a birthday, they were always hustling, never needed to ask for another soda, got a table pretty easy for 8 on sat., they take pictures and sell them in frames for $20 - we ended up with $180 worth of photos the whole experience was awesome BUT the food was just 0k/good, the beans salsa guacamole amazing but I had chicken fajita burrito it was so dry I took a few bites and left it alone, my sons chicken tenders and fries were def lacking as well but what do you expect from a Mexican restaurant all in all it was pretty good and I would go again read more

This is a new location and so my husband and I wanted to check it out! We've had wonderful experiences at their other locations and wanted to compare. It was wonderful! The food quality, service, fun family friendly ambiance, were all just as amazing as at other locations. We walked in and were seated right away towards the back of the restaurant in a very convenient spot as it allotted for our stroller to be next to our table without being in the way. I truly appreciated the hostess for helping us find a table that was convenient for us. When it came to using the restroom to change my sons diaper, I was disappointed by the location of it. It was right next to the handicap stall so that when someone opened the door to the stall it would hit me while changing my son. Additionally, a purse hook would go a long way next to the changing table. I was forced to put the diaper bag on the ground as there was no where else to put it. I ordered the carnitas enhiladas with green sauce - it was my first time trying these and it will definitely not be the last. The enchiladas were packed with flavorful meat rolled in a soft tortilla. Will definitely be back! read more

El Tapatio - Carnitas enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

We had another great stop at El Tapatio in Natomas. We've always loved the Citrus Heights location, so when this one opened we were excited to try it. The place stays busy which is a good sign and the customer service is always solid. Every server we've had so far has been welcoming and attentive. We love ordering the Molcajete because it's perfect for sharing and still leaves room for their delicious bean dip and drinks. The kids are not always in the mood for Mexican food, so the kids menu is a lifesaver with options like pizza, nuggets, and even a cheeseburger. Overall, this location has become another favorite and we're always happy to come back. read more

El Tapatio - Kids pizza - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Food is below average. But the service given by SHAW was so horrid. I feel disgusted giving money to this place. I will never return. She is rude and just cuts you off when talking. Always question when ordering like it's a bother she is even talking to you. I will never be returning here. I hope other people do the same. read more

Came here on a Wednesday night to check out this new place in town and I was impressed through and through! -Clean, trendy and upscale Mexican dining! -Large booths and tables. Great for date night or large groups/celebrations. -Very attentive service. Our drinks were never less than half full and same with our complimentary chips, salsa and dip. -We came without reservations and we were greeted and seated right away. -Delicious, high quality food. The CHILE RELLEÑO was the best I've ever had. My date enjoyed his chicken fajitas. Both came with beans, rice, and a corn pudding. -Reasonably priced. Before tip, our total for drink and two entrees was $47. -Note: there is happy hours available here, will check that out next time. -Also, very VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY! There are multiple options, a couple pages on the menu dedicated to this. And some options can be turned vegan too! -Next time we'll save room for dessert! There were some great options like churros, flan, and sopapillas! read more

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New restaurant in the area? Yes, please! Grand opening? Yes, please! El Tapatio is a family favorite, and we have been regular customers of their citrus Heights location for eons! How exciting that they opened up another location in the North Natomas part of Sacramento!! Of course we went to the grand opening. Of course we enjoyed ourselves. Of course the food was fabulous. Of course everyone needs to enjoy this fabulous new location! They opened in a location on Truxel and what is commonly referred to as the huge Walmart shopping center. The shopping center is filled with lots of retailers, a movie theater, etc. You literally could spend hours here just going to a movie, doing some shopping, and then of course, having a great meal at El Tapatio. I love the fact that they have the same menu as they do when their other locations but this one has a new design and it feels cleaner and fresher. They bring fresh chips, salsa, and they're tasty bean dip to the table while you're trying to decide what fabulous dish you'd like to have. We ordered the Carne Asada Molcajete and the chicken mole enchiladas. The Molcajete was a tad spice here at this location, and the meat was pretty tasty. Love, the fact that you could taste how perfectly grilled it was, but the portion wasn't as generous as it is at the other location. Definitely worth getting though. It's meant for a big appetite, but certainly can be shared. The mole enchiladas are usually served with two, but we ordered an extra one because Littles... They were super tasty as always, but the citrus Heights location still has a one up on the food. If you plan on visiting during their newly opened phase, please give them a little grace since it's an entirely new staff, and they're trying to learn the way through everything as well as being incredibly hospitable, which they all are! If you're interested in catching the latest Kings game or other sports, they have an amazing bar with huge fabulous TVs that would be fabulous for happy hour or like I said a great place to catch our local teams playing. There's also an outdoor seating area that I believe they're still working on. Anyone that's been to their other locations know that they offer a fabulous Sunday brunch, and they'll be doing that at this location as well! Great food, great location, and absolutely worth exploring over and over again. read more

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We are regulars here. We like to sit at the bar with Angel. He makes the very best strawberry margaritas. The service has always been great. We are fans of the duo singer and guitar player. We get the same thing to eat most of the time because it's so dang good. The fajitas for two. The steak and shrimp is succulent from the first bite all the way to the very end. I did get an enchilada and tamale the last time which was just about as good. The entertainment is always very good on the weekends, including the duo, they host live bands and a classic mariachi band. Periodically there is also a balloon artist for the kids and adult kids for a tip. read more

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This was my first experience at any El Tapatio and it was pretty good. We came on a Saturday evening and although the place was packed, we were able to get a table without waiting. The place was decorated with lots of Mexican flair and the atmosphere was very lively. The staff brought chips, salsa, and bean dip (almost twice). Our waiter came and brought drinks and took our order. We ordered the Authentic Pork Carnitas, which came with rice, beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. The carnitas were pretty good, but a little dry. I liked the flavor of the pork carnitas. The flour tortillas were good, but very oddly shaped and couple of them were really stuck together. I assembled several fajitas with the tortillas, which turned out pretty good. Overall, I had a pretty good experience at El Tapatio. Our waiter appeared cheerful and hardworking. It was a busy night so he wasn't extremely attentive, but he was good. read more

El Tapatio - Authentic Pork Carnitas ~ $22.99 - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Came here to see what all the hype was about on other social media platforms. Came on a Saturday and noticed that there was no check-in protocol. Folks were walking in and there was not one to greet and it seemed they were slammed. So I took the liberty as I saw a paper and pen to start a waitlist. But right when I did that, a server came to seat us. The. Service was quick and the food was pretty good. I had the chicken mole. Serving was a bit smaller than I was use to , but it tasted pretty good good I was able to fill up with the bean dip, Salas and chips. Will def come here again. read more

El Tapatio - Chips, salsa and beans (included) - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Grand opening was 10/13! Located where the old On The Border used to be! Big fan of the Citrus Heights El Tapatio. Three visits so far: 1. Party of 2, Dinner 2. Party of 2, Happy Hour/Dinner 3. Party of 2, Dinner First visit was about a 15-minute wait. Got booth seating, a huge basket (x2) of chips and salsa + bean & cheese dip. I got the chicken mole with cilantro rice and whole pinto beans, and dinner buddy got the chile verde pork with Spanish rice and refried beans. The food took quite awhile (hence the 2nd and potential 3rd basket of chips) but service was good and orders were correct. Second visit got a small corner table by the bar for Happy Hour and a small paper boat of chips to go with the salsa and bean & cheese dip. My friend got there first and ordered the rolled potato taquitos and a couple of street tacos off of the happy hour menu. I ordered a Lava Flow and was still deciding on my food. This drink was good but they also forgot to give me a water. When the rolled tacos came out, they were missing the cabbage, pickled onions and salsa verde garnishes so it got sent back. Unfortunately, by the time she came back, the clock had struck 7:00 and I couldn't order from the Happy Hour Menu anymore...bummer! I had had my eye on either the five tacos for $15 or the carne asada fries. Anyway, I ended up ordering the Grande (2 item) build your own combo and got it with a chicken enchilada and a carnitas chimichanga, Spanish rice and refried beans default. She didn't ask if I wanted cilantro rice or black beans/whole pinto. This came out fine but was missing the sweet corn tamalito scoop side dish which I had to ask for. We did not do dessert although they had churros, ice cream, flan, cheesecake chimichangas, etc. The chairs had cool custom carvings and paint -- for instance, repping the SF 49ers logo! The Kings game was shown on the TVs at the bar but the Kings lost that one too. They did also have live music and included at least one Happy Birthday. Third visit I got another grande combo with a carnitas (wet) burrito and a shredded chicken tamale, cilantro rice and refried beans. There were multiple birthdays complete with sombreros, sparkler candles, and birthday song cha cha cha. Warriors game on the TV screens. Estehla was a great waitress! They will be starting their Sunday Brunch in the next month or so! read more

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Finally got to visit El Tapatio in Natomas. I loved the decor and ambiance, sports with a Latin flare. The margarita was the perfect balance of salty and sweetness. The big hit was the handmade tortillas and steak fajitas. Some of the best fajitas we have ever had! Highly recommend. I also loved having beans with my salsa. I am a big bean girlie! Service was great, attentive staff with great recommendations. Can't wait to be back. read more

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I found myself looking for lunch last Friday so we decided to try out the new Mexican restaurant that opened recently in Natomas.i heard they had other locations in Sacramento but ive never had the pleasure of eating at those locations. We sat down during the lunch rush and it was very busy,the dining area tables were just about fully occupied and the bar only had an open seat here and there.Once we got our table after a very brief wait,our server Mario greeted us and he was very awesome,super helpful and courteous.We ended up ordering a few drinks and had 2 items off the lunch special menu,shrimp tacos and a verde burrito. Our drinks were very tasty,I preferred the Paloma as it packed a bit more punch,but one can never go wrong with the margarita.The burrito was pretty good,not sure id get it again with so many tasty options on the menu but still pretty good.The shrimp tacos though,wow!!...Very tasty-I couldn't recommend them high enough,order with confidence,u won't be disappointed. In closing,if you're looking for a more upscale spot for a sit down Mexican food experience,I would not hesitate in going to El Tapatio-they are great......I heard they have a pretty great Sunday morning brunch as well. read more

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This is a newer location for the restaurant chain. We have been to the one in Auburn and Citrus Heights and always enjoyed both of those locations. The look is the same from the outside and so is the decor inside. We came in on a weeknight and the place was pretty full for dinner time and it was loud. Just after we were seated in our booth, a kid came by to ask if we wanted to purchase candy bars for his school. We politely responded with "no thank you" and he went away to the next table. Now, I am all for enterprising young people, but not while I am seated in the back part of a restaurant. The staff didn't seem to be stopping or even questioning him. The menu here is the same as the other locations, so we pretty much know it. We ordered our combination plates as we wanted to make sure the quality was the same. Well, it wasn't. . . First, the historically oval plates have been replaced with large round plates and the portions were smaller than we are used to. The cilantro rice was portioned from a small bowl that had been turned upside down so the rice looked just like that (an upside down pile). My rice was burned and pretty crispy instead of fluffy. I could not eat most of it since it was hard and chewy. The chimichanga used to come with sour cream. This is now a $2.99 extra charge. And, the enchiladas were noticeably smaller. Overall, a less than exciting meal. There are other family owned restaurants in the area that I think are better. read more

El Tapatio - Chimichanga and taco combo - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Overall: We visited El Tapatio Natomas on a Wednesday night for dinner and were really impressed! They opened just about a month ago, and even though it's their third location in the area, this was our first time coming for dinner (we've only been for their famous Sunday brunch before at their other locations). Ambiance: The restaurant is large and beautifully decorated -- a mix of vibrant Mexican culture and modern, Instagram-worthy style. It was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday, but still very comfortable. People were constantly coming in, yet tables turned quickly, and no one seemed to wait long. There's even an area where you can watch them make fresh handmade tortillas. Service: Our waiter was super attentive and friendly the entire time. Service was excellent from start to finish -- we were greeted and seated right away, and everything came out quickly and perfectly timed. Food & Drinks: We started with chips, bean dip, and salsa -- all fresh and flavorful. I ordered a mango margarita, which was huge and delicious! For dinner, I had the shrimp tacos -- light, refreshing, and full of flavor. My husband got the Camarones a la Diabla, and while he loves very spicy food, he rated it about a 3/5 on the spice scale (not quite nose-watering level, but still tasty!). Each entrée came with rice, beans, and a surprise -- a tamalito (sweet corn)! We'd never had that with a Mexican dish before, but it was so yummy and unique. Entertainment: There was live mariachi music during dinner, which added to the lively and authentic atmosphere without being too loud. Final Thoughts: We're so glad to have an authentic Mexican spot like this close in the neighborhood now. The food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent, and with such a large menu, we can't wait to come back and try more dishes! read more

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This space sat vacant across from In-N-Out for years upon years, it feels like. It used to be an On The Border, I think, and I never had a chance to visit it back then. It's nice to see there is new life in the form of another Mexican restaurant, and after doing some research, it looks like they have multiple locations in the region, which is usually a good sign as long as quality stays consistent. I didn't get any photos of the interior, but it's very colorful, though not overly bright, and has a warm, welcoming vibe. It's a deceptively large space with multiple dining areas and a full bar with TVs. It would be a great place to catch a World Cup game next year. The service was excellent. We were immediately brought a basket of chips, red salsa, and beans. Chips and salsa are customary for this kind of restaurant, but I've never seen beans served with them before, which was a nice touch. The salsa was delicious and had a nice smoky, charred flavor to it. When we finished gorging on chips, salsa, and beans and ruined our appetites, they brought out even more. Dangerous. The menu was huge; so many options that it was almost overwhelming. Everything from chicken mole to classic carne asada plates to cheeseburgers and even birria ramen. They describe themselves as authentic Jalisco-style food, but there's definitely a mix of Mexican-American dishes too, which is fine. I ended up ordering the Pollo Asado, which came with two juicy chicken breasts, rice, beans, a grilled jalapeño, tomalito, guacamole, and freshly made corn tortillas. I know they were fresh because you can see a worker pressing them behind the glass. The food came out quickly, and our server was very attentive. Everyone at the table admitted we had filled up a little too much on chips, but the Pollo Asado was good: juicy, subtly marinated, though maybe a bit under-salted. I felt like a few of the items on my plate were slightly under-salted. The Spanish rice was good, and I noticed that the beans on the plate actually tasted different and better than the ones served with the complimentary chips. I think they don't put lard in the complimentary beans, probably to save on cost, but that's a minor detail most people probably wouldn't notice... if I'm even correct about it. The tomalito was good as well. Having the fresh tortillas really brought everything together. I think they were my favorite part of the meal. I had to take some home, but it made good leftovers as a second meal, so definitely worth the value since the portions are huge. It's one of those places where the service and ambiance are great, but the food leaves you wanting just a bit more, yet you still leave full and satisfied, so it's hard to really complain. I'd probably come back to sit at the bar and give the menu another go. The service and space were both excellent, but I was just left feeling like what I ordered was kind of mid: not bad, not great, just okay. But since everything else was so good, I'd definitely come back and give them an updated review down the road. read more

El Tapatio - Huge Portions - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

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They have two location one in Citrus Heights and then this new one in Natomas. I have been to both, this is a review from the natomas location. First off super vibrant and colorful decor ! The placed was packed and even though it was the GM was out making sure things where moving along and the wait staff was also helping in getting the tables cleaned off a new guest to moved in. They are super friendly and let you know by text or by them calling your name when your table is ready. We didn't have to wait long and only 10 min which if you saw how packed you would think it would be like 30-40 min wait. Kudos to the staff!! We were showed our table and were greeted with water, chips and salsa. When our waitress came by for drinks she let us know the kitchen is backed up and if we are ready it would be a good time to place our order. I really appreciated this transparency and honesty. We had steak fajitas, sunrise enchiladas and a soup with meat and noodles. The sunrise enchiladas took me back to New Mexico style and killed it! The fajitas were amazing, the soup was a big hit also. The service was outstanding they kept coming by and checking in and also refilling our chips, maybe at least 4 times. Like I said this is the Natomas location, but any location they do a great job. If you are looking for a Mexican restaurant to eat come here you won't be disappointed!! read more

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Went to El Tapatio for the first time with my family of four. The environment was lively and welcoming, and overall the food was good. It did take quite a while for our meals to come out, but in my opinion it was worth the wait. Unfortunately, things went downhill when the bill arrived. Our pre-tax total was $86.26, and an automatic 21% gratuity ($18.26) had already been added, bringing the total to $111.53. I had already paid the full amount when I noticed the gratuity. When I asked our waiter about it, he told me it was "the front, not him," and then said, "What, you don't think I deserve a tip?" That response was inappropriate and unprofessional. I went to the front of the house to clarify and was told that automatic gratuity is only added for parties of 8 or more. I showed them our bill, and they simply apologized. Very disappointing way to end what could have been a good family dinner. If you go, double- and triple-check your bill. I would also not recommend having Omar as your waiter. read more

El Tapatio - Glutinous Gratuity - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

El Tapatio in Natomas was a great experience. The décor was beautiful, and the food was amazing. I ordered the enchiladas in a poblano cream sauce, and they were absolutely delicious. What really took it over the top was the extra spicy sauce I asked for on the side, possibly habanero. I love spicy food, and this did not disappoint. The chips were warm, and the salsa and bean dip were so good they almost filled us up before the meal. The service was excellent from start to finish, from the host to our server. I believe her name was Vinaely, and she was wonderful. We will definitely be back, especially to try their Sunday brunch. read more

I've always enjoyed coming to El Tapatio, but I've been having a very unpleasant experience with the server named Shaw (brunette with glasses). First time around she was very attentive and welcoming of the other tables she was serving, but when it came to our table she would barely check up on us and was very judgmental of what we ordered. The second time around we ended up getting her again and she again treated us very passively. She asked what we wanted to drink in which I replied "i'll take a water" and without having the rest of the table say their drink choice, she just walked away. She came back with the waters and just placed it on our table without saying anything. She then came back quickly, not even 10 minutes since we sat down and asked if we were ready to order, again cutting us off at the end before we finished ordering and walked away. We tried giving her the benefit of the doubt first time around, but this time it really showed how poor of a server she is. We witnessed her talking to her other tables having conversations, but with us there was no effort. We paid cash and she asked if we wanted change and I said no you can keep the rest and she walked away without saying thank you or have a good night, also when I was mid sentence. Having this very poor experience with Shaw numerous times makes me want to never come back to this location again. The ladies with the blue shirts were more attentive and caring than Shaw. read more

This is my second time coming. Sundays are a live crowd and tons of excitement at the bar for the football games. Great energy from guest and staff bring a very welcoming , pleasant every to this dining experience. There's a lot of great options on the menu that make it hard to choose. I chose the dinner combo plate, the taco and chimichanga were both amazing. The beans and rice were solid as well. My partner chose the fried fish and grilled shrimp taco and he was very pleased as well. I think I will make this place apart of my Sunday tradition atleast once a month. So good! read more

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Tried the famous weekend brunch today which is served from 9am to 2pm $30. We arrived at 10am to a near empty restaurant however by 11am it was full with a lot if people waiting. The buffet includes an omelette station using real eggs, mimosas, agua frescas, horchata, coffee, soups, desserts, enchiladas, fresh made tortillas, seafood, tamales and more. The food was average to tasty but really five stars based on selection alone. If your coming later in the day I would suggest making reservations. read more

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